Voter Fraud Allegations: BJP Delegation Demands AI Verification in Bengal

A high-level BJP delegation, led by West Bengal party president Samik Bhattacharya, met with Election Commission of India (ECI) officials in New Delhi on November 25, 2025. They formally lodged a complaint alleging "large-scale manipulation" in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The delegation, which included national IT head Amit Malviya, claimed that over 88 lakh deceased voters and 22 lakh migrants remain improperly listed, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of pressuring Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to rig the lists ahead of the critical 2026 Assembly elections.

The Context (How We Got Here)

The controversy has been brewing since the SIR launched on November 4, aimed at cleaning up voter rolls nationwide. In West Bengal, however, the process has sparked a political firestorm. The ECI has already flagged over 10 lakh names for deletion, citing "uncollectable" forms. Meanwhile, the TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has accused the ECI of bias, claiming the revision is a pretext to disenfranchise genuine voters. Tensions escalated further after four BLOs reportedly died due to work-related stress, a claim the ECI disputes but which has fueled union protests and administrative chaos.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

Samik Bhattacharya (BJP Bengal President): The political face of the complaint. He framed the issue as a national security threat, stating, "We do not want Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators to influence the choice of Chief Minister."
Amit Malviya (BJP National IT Head): The data strategist. His presence signals the BJP's focus on the technical integrity of the rolls, pushing for AI-based verification to counter alleged manual manipulation by local officials.
Election Commission of India: The arbiter under pressure. Caught between the BJP's demands for strict verification and the TMC's accusations of partisanship, the ECI has ordered enhanced security for its Kolkata office after protests breached its premises.

The BIGSTORY Reframe

While the headlines focus on the political blame game, the deeper story is the "Data Integrity Crisis." The BJP's claim of 88 lakh deceased voters—if true—represents nearly 12% of the state's electorate, a margin that could swing any election. Conversely, the ECI's admission that 10 lakh voters are "untraceable" raises fears of mass disenfranchisement. The debate isn't just about who wins in 2026; it's about whether the fundamental database of democracy in West Bengal is broken beyond repair. The BJP's push for AI verification introduces a new, untested variable: can algorithms fix a problem created by human error and political interference, or will they introduce new biases?

The Implications (Why This Changes Things)

This meeting formalizes the BJP's strategy to challenge the electoral process before the first vote is cast. By demanding independent observers and AI tools, the party is laying the groundwork to contest the legitimacy of the rolls if their demands aren't met. For the TMC, this increases the pressure to mobilize its base against what it calls a "conspiracy." The ECI's response—whether it accepts AI verification or appoints special observers—will determine the credibility of the entire 2026 election cycle.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

If the voter list itself is the battlefield, can the election result ever be accepted by the loser?

FAQs

What did the BJP delegation tell the Election Commission about West Bengal SIR? The BJP delegation, led by Samik Bhattacharya and Amit Malviya, formally complained about "large-scale manipulation" in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They alleged that the ruling TMC is pressuring officials to include fake voters and exclude genuine ones.

What are the main irregularities BJP is alleging? The BJP alleges that the current voter list includes over 88 lakh deceased voters and 22 lakh migrants who no longer reside in the state. They also claim that "Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators" are being illegally added to the rolls.

What recommendations did BJP make to the ECI? The BJP demanded the deployment of AI-based tools for verifying voter data, the use of Aadhaar-linked data to detect duplicates, and the appointment of independent central observers to monitor the revision process.

Why is the SIR process in West Bengal controversial? The SIR is controversial because both major parties claim it is being manipulated. The TMC alleges the ECI is biased and deleting genuine voters, while the BJP claims the rolls are inflated with fake names. Additionally, the death of four Booth Level Officers (BLOs) has raised concerns about the immense pressure on election staff.

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Brajesh Mishra Associate Editor

Brajesh Mishra is an Associate Editor at BIGSTORY NETWORK, specializing in daily news from India with a keen focus on AI, technology, and the automobile sector. He brings sharp editorial judgment and a passion for delivering accurate, engaging, and timely stories to a diverse audience.